Challengers Win Both Trustee Seats in Sagaponack Election

Challengers David McMillan and Mark Landis unseated incumbents Lisa Duryea Thayer and Marilyn Clark in the race for two seats on the Sagaponack Village Board on Friday night, June 21.

Mayor Bill Tillotson, who was unopposed, won another term as mayor.

Tillotson had decided to throw his endorsement to McMillan and Landis, aligning himself with them, he said, because he felt they would be the most committed to his desire to make preservation of open space and farmland a priority in the next term.

McMillan led the way with 76 votes, while Landis had 68. Thayer had 59 votes, and Clark had 58.

After the election, McMillan had kind words for the incumbents and spoke generally about what it means to serve on the board.

“In the end, I think it is important to remember that we are not paid politicians but volunteers who donate their time and provide an important service to the residents of the Village of Sagaponack,” he said.

“Lisa Duryea Thayer and Marilyn Clark should be highly commended for their many years of dedicated service. Sometimes it is difficult for people to accept change, but in the end we all have the same values in protecting the quality of life for all Sagaponack residents.”

Landis shared his thoughts about the victory and being elected to public office. “We are thrilled to win,” he said. “And look forward to serving Sagaponack with dedication and integrity. We also know it’s now that the real work begins.”

Clark took the loss in stride.

“I felt privileged to serve for four years,” she said. “I enjoyed it, and I’m glad I did it, and I wish the new team all the best.”